Brazilian Midfielder Discloses He Has Messi Painting to Remind His Kids He Played Against the Icon

• Inter Miami ace Lionel Messi and Felipe Melo have faced each other a couple of times
• Melo has a painting of Messi in his house from one of his meetings with the Argentine
• The midfielder currently plays for Fluminense after stints with Inter, Real among others

Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo has disclosed he has disclosed why he has a painting of Lionel Messi in his house.

Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

The Inter Miami star has dominated the football scene for years alongside his nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo.

His longevity and talent has seen the Barcelona legend win a number of titles and individual honours, including an incredible eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Owing to his success and sheer talent, the Argentina international is widely adored, with millions from around acclaiming him as one of the best.

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Why Melo has Messi's painting

Incredibly, Messi commands respect and admiration even from rival players, with Felipe Melo among those who have previously spoken highly of him.

So much so that the Brazilian midfielder has a painting of the former Paris Saint-Germain star in his house.

According to the 40-year-old, the painting is meant to remind his children and grandchildren that he once played against the Argentine.

"I have a painting with Messi in my house so my children and grandchildren can see that I played against him," Melo said via EuroFoot.

"He is the best player I have faced, and it is natural that many Brazilians love him. He is a role model for everyone," he added.

Both Messi and Melo clashed a couple of times at both the club and international level.